These researchers are investigating the molecular genetics of antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces-a gram positive soil organism that naturally produces a vast array of medically important antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents.
The polyketide-derived family of antibiotics and lipid-derived fatty acids represent two major classes of important metabolic products that are biosynthetically related, yet distinctly regulated in Streptomyces. In their biosynthesis, multi-component synthases catalyze iterated condensation of thio-esters from acetate in the fatty acids and acetate, propionate, and butyrate in the polyketides. The objective of this laboratory's research program is to dissect the molecular events of each synthase component involved in the chain assembly process. These researchers are also interested in the regulatory events that control expression of genetically related primary and secondary metabolic pathways. Ultimately, the aim is to engineer metabolic pathways using rational approaches such as site-directed mutagenesis, in vitro genetic recombination and gene replacement. The development of this technology will provide novel methods for production of new antibiotics and other chemotherapeutic agents (which are still very much needed to treat a variety of human and animal diseases), as well as other useful fine chemicals.
Min He, Biological Process Technology Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mustafa Varoglu, Research Associate
In addition to the polyketides antibiotics and fatty acids, these researchers are investigating the kinetic parameters controlling production levels of cephalosporin antibiotics, the resistance mechanism of the anti-cancer agent Mitomycin C, and metabolic engineering of biodegradable thermal plastic polyhydroxyalkanoates.
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URL: http://www.msi.umn.edu/about/publications/annualreport/ar2000/depts/MedSchool/Microbiology/sherman.html |
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